Owen Coyle believes that his Wigan Athletic side are capable of beating anyone if they play to the best of their ability.
The Latics take on Lancashire rivals Blackpool at Bloomfield Road in tomorrow’s mid-day kick-off and Coyle is confident that his team can maintain the high standard they have set themselves and make it three wins on the bounce.
Blackpool are unbeaten at home so far this season but they must cope without manager Paul Ince, who will serve the first of a five-game stadium ban imposed by the FA for his behaviour towards match officials.
“Blackpool have done very well in the early stages of the season and have a very good home record,” said Scotsman Coyle.
“But we know that if we play to the best of our ability then regardless of who we play and where we play we’re capable of winning games and that’s how we’ll approach the match.
“I know Paul very well and Alex Rae his assistant as well. They’ll have their team well drilled throughout the week with the intention of maintaining their home form.”
Wigan lost 1-0 on their travels last time out to Watford, a game marred by some controversial refereeing decisions, though Coyle thought the result was a positive one.
“Against Watford we produced a benchmark performance, and if we produce displays like that on a regular basis then we will win more often than not,” he said.
“We all know the circumstances around the result on the day against Watford, but we have to focus on getting to that level once again.”
The Latics have sold out their allocated tickets and boss Coyle is hoping the travelling fans can create a roar that will drive his team on to a vital away win.
“We’re going there to be really positive in our play and being another derby we’re excited about the atmosphere inside Bloomfield Road, especially with over 2,000 Wigan Athletic supporters getting behind us,” he said.
“They’ll be behind us once again being very vocal I’m sure, and so what we have to do is produce a performance worthy of that support.”
The Latics have been boosted by the return of striker Grant Holt, who featured in their last match against Blackburn Rovers and Coyle hopes to welcome back Marc-Antoine Fortune.
“It’s been a positive couple of weeks. The international players have come through their respective games without any injury concerns and they’ll re-join the group on Friday.
“We now enter a period of seven games in the next 20 days before the next international break so the whole squad will be utilised and we want to start this period in the same manner we finished the last, by winning.”
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